Ron Jackson, director of Parson’s Pantry, recently walked 117 miles to raise more than $55,000 for the ministry.
One hundred percent of all donations go to support needy pastors, widows of pastors, and married ministerial students, said Jackson, retired pastor of East Gaffney Baptist Church.
Jackson’s ministry has assisted nearly 800 families with more than $700,000 in donations from supporters since its founding.
Ron Jackson and supporters walk in Gaffney to raise funds for his Parson’s Pantry ministry, which benefits needy pastors, widows of pastors, and married ministry students.
Beginning Oct. 1, Jackson started walking at 8:00 every morning on a 12-mile loop of Gaffney, repeating the route over the next several days until he reached 117 miles.
In 2014, Jackson raised awareness and financial support for Parson’s Pantry by walking from Gaffney to the the State House in Columbia. The next year, he walked from the State House to Charleston Southern University, his alma mater.
Jackson began Parson’s Pantry as a result of his own experience when God called him into the ministry. He had a young family and took a big step of faith. He left his job with no known financial means for relocating his family in order to attend seminary. Herb Holt, a man Jackson baptized and discipled, presented him with a gift of $600. It was a “great encouragement” to Jackson and enabled him to continue his studies. He never forgot that gift and how it blessed him and his family. It was then that the seed of Parson’s Pantry was planted in his heart. After serving almost 40 years as a pastor, he began the ministry of Parson’s Pantry in 2005 with the support of his wife, Karen.
“We appreciate churches, businesses and fellow Christians who sponsored the walk with their financial contributions,” said Jackson. “The Lord was so faithful to provide the needed strength and grace for me to complete this year’s 117-mile walk. It has been a blessing to hear words of gratitude from those we have been able to help.”
To support the ministry, or for more information, write Parson’s Pantry, P.O. Box 777, Gaffney, S.C., 29342, or call Ron or Karen Jackson at 864-489-6709.